BRIEF: PNG Media to be Regulated by Government

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea - The National reports that the media in PNG will now  be regulated by the government.  Information and Communication Department acting secretary Henao Iduhu told the press that it was not the government's objective to limit freedom of speech or freedom of the press.  He said, "We must ensure that the media industry abide by professional ethics [...] within guidelines set out by the Government [...] Freedom of the media will not be curtailed at all."

This move comes on the heels of widespread rumours that Prime Minister Michael Somare would be arrested due to the Moti affair and evidence regarding his personal role in it.

For more information, please see:

Pacific Island Report (PNG Post-Courier) - Angry Somare Vows to Regulate PNG Media - 04 October 2007

Pacific Island Report (The National) - PNG Government to Regulate Media - 03 October 2007

Radio New Zealand International - PNG PM home safely despite rumours of arrest plans by military over Moti affair - 02 October 2007

Pacific Magazine - Police Alert Over Somare Arrest Reports - 02 October 2007